• Pre-register: January 30, 2026 - $35
• Special Entry: March 20, 2026 - $45
• Early: May 20, 2026 - $55
• Regular: August 25, 2026 - $60
• Late: September 22, 2026 - $65
• Extended: October 15, 2026 - $70

How do I register?

Click SUBMIT at the top of the page and fill out the required fields, continue to the next page, indicate your payment details, and again click "submit." You'll receive a confirmation email after registering.

How do I send my materials?

Entry files may be sent by email or (preferably) uploaded during the registration process. If you do not upload, further instructions will be in your confirmation email. Materials are not due until the final deadline October 15th, and can be sent to us any time by email.

How should I format my submission?

We don't have any specific requirements as far as format, but industry standard (font, spacing, page numbers, etc.) is preferable. PDF or Word docs only. We do not accept materials copy and pasted into the body of an email.

Can international writers enter?

Yes! Many of our previous winners have come from outside the U.S.

Do I retain the rights to my work by entering?

All rights to the material remain with the writer, no matter their final standing in the contest. Further, material is not sent to industry without the author's consent.

Do you take a fee if the book sells?

Absolutely not. Book Pipeline does not take a percentage of any publication fee or advance, nor do we personally represent authors or publish books. We simply make direct introductions to agents and editors in our network and help with further development of the book, if necessary.

What happens if I win?

Prior to industry circulation, Book Pipeline works with the individual authors to help edit and polish their materials. Afterward, we develop a strategy on which agents or publishers to approach first, and this process is tailored to each writer and project.

Our process is long-term as well, and we work with our selected authors for months (or years) after their placement to various degrees, whether it's helping find representation, promoting their books, considering new material, or offering general mentorship.

Do I get feedback on my entry? Does it cost extra?

Feedback is not included on Unpublished contest entries. However, contest entrants may request a Workshop Evaluation for an additional fee, which is at a reduced rate for entrants (you'll receive a special code in your confirmation email after registering).

Workshop Evaluations are kept separate from the Unpublished judging process—feedback is given by a different executive and have no bearing on contest results.

Do I need a completed manuscript?

For Fiction: you're not required to have a completed manuscript at the time of entry. If you're selected as a winner, we can wait until your book is completed and edited before circulating.

For Comic Books and Picture Book: must submit your full manuscript / script.

For Nonfiction & Memoir: it's acceptable to have a full proposal only (although having a completed manuscript is recommended, particularly for memoirs).

What if I get published after entering?

If your book is under agreement to be published, or is later published (traditional or self), after entering, you would still be eligible.

If I’m submitting a book and it spills over the 5,000 work count limit, is that okay?

Completely fine. If you want to send in selected text—say, the first two chapters—and a natural break occurs around 6,000 words, that's okay.

I’ve never written a comic script, what format do I write the script in?

There is no industry standard medium for comic scripts. However, you can find plenty excellent examples here. 

As long as we can clearly read and understand your story, and it describes specific images the artist can draw with panel breakdowns and dialogue, we'll accept it for review. Our development process allows plenty of time and effort in making certain it gets in the proper format.

Will you allow pitches only?

We'll accept full nonfiction book proposals, however pitches for film and television may be submitted to Script Pipeline.

When are the winners announced?

December 1, 2026. 

Contact our contest coordinator with any other questions.